Any experience in official complaints against tradesmen?

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

I need to make an official complaint about a tradie, and I'm not 100% sure what I need to do.

He stuffed us around and has gone off the map with our money and with the job half complete. Now I've just found out that he broke upwards of 10 roof tiles and didn't let us know, which has led to water damage in our rental house, which insurance won't cover because it's a maintenance issue and not storm damage. I'm shaking I'm so angry at this guy - he doesn't answer emails, texts, phone calls, nothing.

So, any experience?

[lady_neon]

Was he a sub-contracter? If so contact the company he works for. If not, how did you find him? We were recommended a fencing contracter by Stratco, for example, so I'd go to them and complain.

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

No, Professor found him in the local paper.

I just contacted the Building Commission, and they said the first thing I need to do is get a form off their website and notify the tradie that I intend to complain. Then he has 14 days to respond, and only then can I lodge an official complaint. I was a bit snarky to the poor guy on the phone, because I can provide written evidence that I've been trying to contact this guy for 4 weeks already, but legally I hafta send this specific form :/

[lady_neon]

Eh don't feel bad. He should have done the job properly.

[Rivlas]

It is worth doing the paper work.

My Mum went through this. the process is if he doesn't answer your letter it then is lodged with VCAT who do the rest. Mediation is then called and you have a meeting with a judge who then goes away and decides the next move. Well, this was the process she went through.

Document as much proof as you can as this helps.